For many dentists, Medicaid reimbursement rates fail to meet the costs of providing these services to patients. This has led many to end their participation in the program, despite the growing demand for care in underserved communities.
Two dentists recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss their thoughts on Medicaid reimbursement rates in their state:
Question: What are your thoughts on the current Medicaid reimbursement rates in your state? How are these rates affecting your ability to care for patients and operate the practice sustainably?
Corey Anderson, DDS. Affordable Dentures & Implants (Bridgeport, W.V.): Medicaid reimbursement rates reflect the priorities of the state and federal government. If our democratically elected leaders decide that more providers are needed to provide services to more patients, then I suggest increasing reimbursements and reducing administrative hassles. If fewer providers are needed, then decrease pay and increase administrative hassles. My sense is that there will always be more demand for services for Medicaid patients than will regularly be provided.
Charles Schlesinger, DDS. CEO of Comfortable Dentistry4U (Albuquerque, N.M.): [Reimbursements] are way too low on many procedures, and unexpected downgrading makes it even worse. When the reimbursement rate is in many cases less than it costs to do the procedure (materials, consumable, salaries), it ends up being a loss for the office. For this reason, I left being a provider for Medicaid.
